MyCarTSB

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Steering Problems

41 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data

41
Complaints
3
Crashes
Jan 2020Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (41)

criticalSTEERING
CrashFiled: Dec 2023

While driving my truck on [XXX] , steering locks up, unable to turn the steering wheel. Crashes into guard rail going approximately 57mph, thankfully no other vehicle involved in this matter. I was not hurt, and had seatbelt buckled and then noticed damaged on the drivers side of the truck.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11557864
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2023

June 24th 2023 on a sunny day right after I start my truck ( truck still on my drive way) trailer brake system service notice came on. I don't have any trailer on that truck at that time.

NHTSA #: 11528694
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2023

UNKNOWN The ignition, steering wheel, and electrical. While driving it flickers off and on, turns off the engine, unlocks my doors and turns on again. Yes, our safety as well as others are put at risk this can cause an accident to happen on the road while driving, most likely to get rear ended.

NHTSA #: 11524563
criticalSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2023

For about a month I heard a clunking sound in the steering wheel shaft when I initially started the vehicle and turned the steering wheel. After a few miles of driving it would go away. The vehicle then began to have a hesitation when I would try starting it.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11519335
criticalSTEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Feb 2023

The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 80 MPH the steering wheel became stiff and the vehicle would not brake without any warning. The contact desperately pressed on the brake pedal but the vehicle would not brake, causing the contact to be struck by another vehicle on the driver's side. No one was injured and no major damage to none of the vehicles. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a loss. All the air bags deploy but the front driver side. The manufacturer was not unable to reach them. The failure mileage was 69,000.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11507517
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2022

The electrical power steering failed on my way home as I turned in to my street my steering became very hard to control nearly causing me to crash into a neighbors vehicle. This is the second time my electrical power steering has failed. About a year ago the original electrical power steering went out and a new one was purchased from a dealer ship and installed by a automotive company.

NHTSA #: 11468109
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2021

At slow speeds, such as when parking, the truck’s electrical system shuts down, I lose power steering, dash lights, radio, and then the truck restarts itself and continues. This has happened multiple times and chevrolet dealers don’t w what the problem is. If nearly collided twice due to lack of power steering.

NHTSA #: 11416713
highSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2022

The power steering will randomly go out when turning at slow speeds, or when parking. The entire truck has lost power steering and then lost all power to the vehicle for a split second then return to normal power.

NHTSA #: 11455462
highSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2021

Reduced power steering assist engine stall ipc / radio / HVAC goes blank various dtc. Had my head lights flickering, had stabilitrak errors, power steering errors, and the worst of all, the steering wheel jerking out of my hands.

NHTSA #: 11398093
highSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2021

Truck stationary. Started engine. Immediately message showed up on dashboard indicating steering assist low, drive carefully.

NHTSA #: 11387802
highSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Nov 2020

While driving on 30-40mph and hit the brakes slowly, it feels as if the pedal is gonna fall off and can also feel a vibrate on it. It also stalls as if the brakes are being pressed but I'm not, this happens usually in the beginning after being turned on and then stops doing it after reaching the middle of the temperature.

NHTSA #: 11375265
highSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2020

I started my vehicle and put the truck in reverse to back out of a parking spot. Gave the truck gas and it wouldn't accelerate. Put the truck back in park and looked at the guages and there were no RPM's showing on the cluster and the oil pressure was at zero.

NHTSA #: 11364563
highSTEERING
Filed: Dec 2019

Driving back from the holidays in another state. Stop to get gas, I check tire pressure and put fuel additive in the fuel tank. I get back on the highway, going the speed limit which is 75 MPH.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11286383
highSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Feb 2018

Truck stationary. Started engine. Immediately message showed up on dashboard indicating steering assist low, drive carefully.

NHTSA #: 11073513
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2026

My transmission blew up and I almost wrecked my truck. No engine lights came on, and still no engine lights are coming on it only has 69,000 miles on it and has never missed a service. Its currently at the dealership where I bought it from

NHTSA #: 11709805
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Sep 2025

Truck was intermittently losing power steering and shutting off/reseting itself. Was a loss of electrical and was throwing Stabilitrak Service warning. Would not stay on due to truck resetting itself but loss of power happened typically when I was in parking lot or driveway.

NHTSA #: 11686370
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2025

While driving the steering wheel started locking up and jerking. And it’s really hard to turn the wheel. ( power steering drive with care) noted on the dashboard.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11679209
mediumSTEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2024

So the recalls were done on my vehicle in September 2023 , I purchased the vehicle in August and after the recalls were performed the truck would seem different but I thought it was just me, we'll I had an alignment done because it was driving crazy , this wasn't done at the chevrolet dealership, so recently we've experience some braking issues and pulling off to the side well I took it to the ryan chevrolet on a thursday and the mechanic kept the truck until Monday so he can diagnose the issue.

NHTSA #: 11582419
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2023

I purchased this vehicle from Galles Chevrolet in Albuquerque New Mexico as a certified pre owned vehicle. Couple of days after I noticed a vibration coming from the front steering and drivetrain I immediately took it back to Galles and they told me nothing was wrong with it and that the aggressive tires was what I was feeling.

NHTSA #: 11559557
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2023

I have a 2018 chevy Silverado 1500 crew cab, I’ve been having problems where the truck warning light would come on saying “service stability control” and the truck would turn off when reversing and while driving on highway and the light flickers and the steer wheel would lock up as well, please help me out, I have searched over the web and have seen other people posting about it and having the same problems but yet Chevy has not done anything about it, this is a safety hazard

NHTSA #: 11552343
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2023

The vehicle has just completely died on me at least twice while driving it, the power steering keeps cutting out, and the headlights will dim significantly upon pressing the brake pedal or using turn signals. This has been going on intermittently for months. Upon an internet search, this does not appear to be an uncommon issue.

NHTSA #: 11535165
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2023

While driving down the highway, I heard a ding and the service trailer brake message appeared. Several minutes later, while driving about 30 mph and coming to a stop, I heard the ding again, the service trailer brake message appeared again, then all electric components died. I had no lights or gauges working, the radio turned off, the a/c turned off, I loss all steering capabilities as my steering wheel locked in place, and the engine died. All of this occurred while the vehicle was still in motion. As I pressed the brake and came to a stop, the electronics regained power. A message appeared telling me to lower and raise the driver's side window. I came to a complete stop. Even though the electronics returned, I had to restart the engine. I put the vehicle in park, turn it off with my key, then start it again with the key, all while stopped on a very busy highway. I was able to drive the vehicle home with no further issues. I have not contacted the dealership yet, as they are currently closed as I write this. I will be contacting them and informing them of the issue. I had mentioned a similar issue to the dealership a few years ago. They made a report of the incident, but said there is nothing they can do if they cannot replicate it. This is very dangerous. Losing all electronic functions, including the ability to steer and having the engine die while driving is scary. I can lose the ability to guide my truck and crash the vehicle into something or someone. This puts my family at risk and anyone else on highway that may be in proximity. There is no telling when this will take place. I have had electrical issues randomly happen while starting the vehicle, but not while driving. I may go weeks or months between electrical startup problems. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11510072
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2022

Sudden loss of vehicle electrical power as well as steering and break control due to faulty negative battery terminal. Engine will stall and steering wheel will kick back and issue a stabilitrak service message. Vehicle will become inoperable while still moving with no way to control.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11492793
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Oct 2022

2018 Chevy Silverado Lt. Lost power steering on two separate occasions for 10 seconds to approximately 15 seconds then the a third incident where power steering was lost 100% and did not come. It was a good thing that I was leaving my house. No power steering at all. Turning around to home had to really muscle the steering steering. Did not clear with repeated attempts at engine restarts. Had towed to dealer. Dealer had no idea what was going on or had never experienced this before. Google searches indicated that this power steering issue has been going on since at least 2014. Battery and cables replaced. Incident happened again back to dealer and I suggested reprogramming the ECM and they did. All seemed good until 4 Oct 22 when driving I lost power steering again for about 5 seconds and then returned to normal. This is a real safety issue. I cannot drive with my granddaughter until this is rectified. Dash reported each time Power Steering drive with caution. Like I illuted to that this power steering problem is concerning and going on for years.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11489568
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the "steering assist reduced" and "service trailer brake" messages were displayed, and the steering wheel experienced a slight resistance while turning in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11446105
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2021

Started vehicle and engine diagnostic displayed that the anti-lock braking system needs to be service, the power steering system needs to be serviced, parking assist needs to be serviced. This issued occurred one other time and a module needed to be replaced. This is the second time this has occurred in a year.

NHTSA #: 11441266
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2020

I have filed a complaint already about my 2018 silverado1500 l, never received a response about the complaint filed. My truck road very rough, it had a bad vibration and shimmy in the front end. The front end would nose dive when braking.

NHTSA #: 11323842
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION
Filed: Mar 2020

Tl* the contact called on behalf of her husband who owns a 2018 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to make an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to all star chevrolet located (11377 airline hwy, baton rouge, la 70816) where the vehicle was diagnosed.

NHTSA #: 11317067
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Dec 2019

2018 silverado crew cab lt has had a stiff steering issue for over a month now. Has 11 thousand miles. Carried to lynn layton chevrolet the first time, found 0 issues.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11283096
mediumSTEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2019

Shaking in the front at speeds over 40mph when there is a slight acceleration, that does stop when you take the foot off the gas. The shaking seems to get more violent at higher speeds, and so far the dealer has been unable to find the cause.

NHTSA #: 11267204
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Mar 2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet silverado 1500. While making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact released the accelerator pedal and depressed the brake pedal and the steering wheel returned to normal.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11185826
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Nov 2018

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the electric power steering (eps) failed and caused the steering wheel to be extremely tight. The steering wheel had to be manually maneuvered from right to left with difficulty.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11149683
lowSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2025

Steering wheel position sensor obd code c0710-5a

NHTSA #: 11680103
lowSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2025

While driving steering wheel will lock up and become really hard to move, making it difficult to maneuver out of the road

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11655603
lowSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CrashFiled: May 2022

At a low speeds while taking a turn, the electrical system clicks off and then clicks back on after about a second. Im able to see the voltage drop while taking the turn. When this happens, the power steering goes out while taking the turn.

NHTSA #: 11463721
lowSTEERING
Filed: Nov 2021

Power steering reduced

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11439603
lowSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2020

While driving 41-60mph, the truck starts to idle as if the brakes are being pushed on one tire and the brake pedals and gas pedal tend to vibrate as if it were to fall off. After awhile doing that, the stability control light message comes on after reaching the middle of the coolant temperature and the problem goes away. Seems like it does it when it's on low temperature.

NHTSA #: 11363831
lowSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2020

The steering assist reduced light and the stable track light keep coming on while driving on street and highway

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11300549
lowSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Jan 2020

Loss of power steering assist when first starting the vehicle. A message is displayed on the info panel in the center of the dash and all steering capability is lost. It's impossible to turn the steering wheel when this happens.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11292405
lowSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2019

Steering loss with warning. I've had the truck for 100 miles and have had this problem 8-10 times. In motion, stopped, transitioning into motion.

Parts you may need:

As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.

NHTSA #: 11195722
lowSTEERING,SUSPENSION
Filed: Aug 2018

Driving at highway speed holding the steering wheel straight the truck will move quickly to the left lane some time and then other times to the far outside of the right lane. Also I have had it move all the way to left lane and the all the way back across the right lane to off the road.

NHTSA #: 11118409

Other 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Issues